The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Ghent
Cheapest price
€63
Average price
€70
Fastest journey
2 h 36 m
Average duration
2 h 36 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
227 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Ghent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Ghent will cost around €70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €63.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Ghent without transferring at least once.
ICE 316 · IC 2833
ICE 314 · IC 2837
ICE 16 · IC 2835
ICE 316 · IC 2833
ICE 16 · IC 2835
ICE 314 · IC 2837Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Ghent
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Ghent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a flight costs an average of €185.
Distance: 227 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€73 Average price | €25 Average price Cheapest | €509 Average price |
2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 59m Average total duration 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 11m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Ghent train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Ghent trains for today, Monday, March 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9474 | 3:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 5:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9486 | 5:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 7:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, March 3 | |||||
ICE 316 · IC 2833 | On time 8:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 11:19 AM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 16 · IC 2835 | On time 10:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 1:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 314 · IC 2837 | On time 12:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h37 | 3:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Ghent by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Cologne to Ghent trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or PKP Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Ghent.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Ghent.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or PKP Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Ghent.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Ghent.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Ghent?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Ghent
Trains from Cologne to Ghent run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €36 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 227 km distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 227 km |
Average train duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €36 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 00:03 |
Last train 23:55 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, PKP Intercity from Cologne to Ghent trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, PKP Intercity trains will get you between Cologne and Ghent from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Eurostar
PKP Intercity
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Ghent
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Ghent by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ghent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Ghent
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein.
- De Graslei
- Restaurant Patrick Foley's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €0.50
- NH Gent Sint Pieters
- Hotel Carlton
- Astoria Hotel Gent
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Kasteellaan.
- De Graslei
- Amadeus Ghent 1
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €0.50
- Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort
- Hotel Cathedral
- Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to Antwerp, Brussels, and local destinations
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 4
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Ghent
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